Wharton uplifted by pope's speech
By Molly Montag Journal staff writer | Posted: Friday, April 18, 2008
WASHINGTON -- Briar Cliff University's president said Pope Benedict XVI's speech to Catholic educaturs was uplifting, moving and an honor to attend.
Benedict XVI addressed the leaders of America's Roman Catholic colleges and universities, including Briar Cliff's President Bev Wharton, on Thursday at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Wharton said she was excited by Pope Benedict XVI's speech, which she said emphasized the value of Catholic education.
"(Other educators and Wharton) felt as though he was being very, very supportive of the work that we do on a daily basis," she said. "Yes, he was giving guidelines on how he wanted that work done, but he was very supportive of the work that we do."
The guidelines included remarks on the balance between academic freedom and promoting the Catholic faith. Benedict XVI said Thursday that academic freedom has "great value" for the schools, but it does not justify promoting positions that violate the Catholic faith.
Wharton said the pope's views on academic freedom are in line with those at Briar Cliff University. Approximately 1,100 students from 26 states and four countries attend Briar Cliff, located in Sioux City.
"A campus needs to be a place where you can present various perspectives -- that's what colleges are all about," she said. "But, as the pope noted here, it is important that we still remember and follow the teachings of the Catholic church."
Benedict, a former academic, said that church teaching should shape all aspects of campus life and that Catholic educators have a "profound responsibility to lead the young to truth."
Wharton was seated in the ninth row, about 50 feet from the leader of the pope. She estimated 400 to 500 people attended the speech.
"It was very uplifting very moving and it truly was an honor to have this opportunity to hear Pope Benedict speak," she said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
Benedict XVI addressed the leaders of America's Roman Catholic colleges and universities, including Briar Cliff's President Bev Wharton, on Thursday at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Wharton said she was excited by Pope Benedict XVI's speech, which she said emphasized the value of Catholic education.
"(Other educators and Wharton) felt as though he was being very, very supportive of the work that we do on a daily basis," she said. "Yes, he was giving guidelines on how he wanted that work done, but he was very supportive of the work that we do."
The guidelines included remarks on the balance between academic freedom and promoting the Catholic faith. Benedict XVI said Thursday that academic freedom has "great value" for the schools, but it does not justify promoting positions that violate the Catholic faith.
Wharton said the pope's views on academic freedom are in line with those at Briar Cliff University. Approximately 1,100 students from 26 states and four countries attend Briar Cliff, located in Sioux City.
"A campus needs to be a place where you can present various perspectives -- that's what colleges are all about," she said. "But, as the pope noted here, it is important that we still remember and follow the teachings of the Catholic church."
Benedict, a former academic, said that church teaching should shape all aspects of campus life and that Catholic educators have a "profound responsibility to lead the young to truth."
Wharton was seated in the ninth row, about 50 feet from the leader of the pope. She estimated 400 to 500 people attended the speech.
"It was very uplifting very moving and it truly was an honor to have this opportunity to hear Pope Benedict speak," she said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
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whatever wrote on Apr 19, 2008 8:42 AM:
proofreader wrote on Apr 18, 2008 8:44 AM: